Dignity and Depravity

Chapter XX

For the third morning in a row, Amelia cursed the greenhouse at Eagleton Manor and its resplendent offerings, an occurrence that was so utterly unwelcome and incongruous in her mind that Amelia nearly cursed herself as well.  In actuality, Amelia cherished the building, nearly as much as her husband did.  The late Mrs. Dyer had overseen the plans for the creation of the structure, and John and Amelia had watched its creation brick by brick and were fascinated by the work.  Upon its completion, the greenhouse had become an inviting locale in which to play and the friends had toiled away many childhood hours about the sunlight premises.  

Intended originally to be orangery, the edifice was not attached to the manor as had been the fashion at the time.  Rather, it was set a part and lay but a short distance across the lawns.  This choice allowed the glasshouse to be southern facing, maximizing the beautiful bursts of light that flooded in through the windows for the bulk of the day.  Furthermore, the short venture outdoors was a welcome one in both summer and winter allowing one to take advantage of the fresh air.  Upon the late Mrs. Dyer's request, the building was to remain thoroughly accessible to both the family and the household staff so as to be the perfect compliment the manor house in both architectural attributes and welcoming nature.

The outer walls of the planthouse matched those of Eagleton Manor, constructed of fine white stone brought in from Bath.  Tall, multifaceted windows extended the length of the sides separated by fine looking Grecian pillars that offered a distinguished and simple profile. The corbel gutter similarly was compromised of clean, square lines.  The only curves were those that traced the opening for the large, wooden, arched front doors.  The door were heavy enough to provide adequate insulation for growing plants in the summer months, and in the summer they could be thrown open to admit the warmth of sunshine and warm winds.  It was not surprising that the greenhouse was one of the constructions that most attracted visitors, and was well loved in the neighbourhood.  Almost all who espied the it deemed it "simply perfection."

During the winter, citrus and even pineapples trees thrived, providing a constant supply of tropical fruits to the manor as the building was heated from below using charcoal stoves.  These ranges pumped warm warm smoke along the floor and up the northern wall, and the exited through a decorative flue at the rear of the building.  Often, in the colder months, when Amelia was searching for solitude she found herself among the fragrant fruit trees.  Privacy was even more of a possibility after Mrs. Dyer had also commissioned the erection of a less ornamental forcing house close to the kitchens.  The smaller structure produced fresh vegetables, melons and other fare year round and was tended to lovingly by the Mr. Hale, the gardener. 

The generous bounty grown at Eagleton Manor was easily shared with the tenants of the property, and had been helped many gain strength during times of ague.  Amelia herself had proudly plucked choice fruits and shared them with her acquaintances.  Yet, as Amelia contemplated yet another breakfast consisting of sliced cucumber and tomato, and half a grapefruit she wished that not another seedling would take root under those rooves.  If so, Amelia though, I fear I shall become too well planted at the table, never wanting to eat again.

Amelia stared longingly at John's full plate. It boasted a full serving of cured meat, fresh eggs and muffins warm from the oven. A cup of coffee adorned John's hand, and he lovingly raised it to his mouth and took a sip. Sighing deeply, Amelia reached for her own cup of heavily watered wine and let the unwelcome taste fill her mouth.  This concoction had becoming her life's blood in the last few weeks, and she felt positively vexed at the thought of drinking another glass.  Even a mouthful of vinegar seemed more appealing, for at least it would provide a variation in the monotony of her routine.  Gone were the days of her beloved hot chocolate being placed on the table, a loss she felt most keenly.  It was not simply her palate that was offended by this change, but her heart felt heavier as the placement of her favourite concoction had being a simple outward gesture of John's affections for her.